Heart Diseases, Conditions, Diagnosis & Treatment

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
  • Adult Congenital Heart DiseaseHeart defects present at birth that can result in both non-serious and life-threatening symptoms throughout adulthood.
  • Advanced Heart FailureLate-stage heart failure in which conventional treatments no longer work and a heart transplant is required.
  • Aortic AneurysmDilation (or bulging) of the wall of the abdominal or thoracic portion of your aorta, which can lead to clots, tears or ruptures.
  • Aortic DiseaseAcute and lifelong disorders and conditions that affect the part of your aorta that descends through your chest and into your abdomen.
  • Aortic DissectionA life-threatening condition resulting from a tear in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
  • Aortic RepairUsed to treat a variety of aortic conditions by repairing a bulge in the aorta and replacing damaged portions of the aortic wall.
  • Aortic Valve DiseaseA type of valve disease in which your aortic valve either doesn’t close properly or doesn’t let enough blood through.
  • ArrhythmiaAlso known as irregular heartbeat, this fairly common condition occurs when the electrical signals controlling your heartbeat are blocked or delayed.
  • Arteriovenous MalformationA mass of knotted, abnormally formed arteries and veins present at birth that can be both disfiguring and life-threatening.
  • Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) & Atrial FlutterA type of arrhythmia characterized by irregular or rapid heart rate that results in poor blood flow to the body.
  • Atrial Septal DefectA common type of congenital heart defect that causes enlargement of the right side of the heart.
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B
  • Balloon ValvuloplastyA common catheter-based procedure that uses a small balloon stretches heart valves that have narrowed.
  • Bicuspid Aortic ValveA congenital heart defect in which the aortic valve is missing a flap, leading to backflow of blood into the heart.
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C
  • Cardiac AmyloidosisA condition in which amyloids (protein fragments) are deposited in the heart, making it difficult for electrical signals to move.
  • Cardiac CatheterizationUses catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat heart disease.
  • Cardiac CT Uses the latest multidetector CT to provide fast and accurate images of your heart and vascular system.
  • Cardiac MRIProvides detailed, real-time images of your heart and vascular system without using radiation.
  • Cardiac PETUses radioactive tracers to allow for detailed imaging of your heart muscles and detect heart infections.
  • Cardiac RehabilitationSpecialized facilities and resources to help you recover from both common and complex heart conditions and treatments, including heart attack and open-heart surgery.
  • Cardiac Stress TestsEvaluates heart function by comparing the heart at rest to when it is active by exercise.
  • Cardiac TumorsAbnormal growths in the tissue of the heart.
  • Cardiothoracic SurgerySurgical operations to treat conditions involving the heart, lungs, esophagus and other organs in the chest.
  • Cardiovascular SurgerySurgical operations to treat conditions involving the heart, large arteries and the chest.
  • Carotid Artery DiseaseHardening and narrowing of arteries, which can lead to restricted blood flow to the brain (causing a stroke) or the heart (causing a heart attack).
  • Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs caused by clot-like masses.
  • Claudication (Leg Cramps)A symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in which narrowed or blocked arteries in the leg cause the leg muscles to contract.
  • Constrictive PericarditisLoss of elasticity and increase in rigidity of the pericardium, which restricts your heart’s ability to move.
  • Coronary AngiogramA catheter-based imaging test that provides a detailed look at the arteries supplying your heart with blood.
  • Coronary AngioplastyA common catheter-based procedure used to dissolve blockages in the main artery leading to the heart, improving symptoms of coronary artery disease.
  • Coronary Artery DiseaseA buildup of plaque in the lining of your arteries, causing blood clots that lead to restricted blood flow and, ultimately, heart attack.
  • Coronary Bypass SurgeryRedirects blood flow around clogged arteries, lessening the risk of blood clots and improving oxygen circulation to the heart.
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D
  • DefibrillatorsA medical device implanted in your chest or abdomen that monitors your heart rate and delivers a shock to restore the heart’s rhythm if needed.
  • Diastolic Heart FailureWhen your heart contracts normally, but the ventricles remain stiff or don’t relax, causing less blood to enter the heart and fluid to build up in the lungs.
  • Dilated Non-Ischemic CardiomyopathyA form of heart disease that causes your left ventricle to stretch abnormally, affecting its ability to pump.
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E
  • EchocardiogramUses ultrasound waves to evaluate how blood moves through the heart chambers and valves in your heart.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter MonitoringEvaluates heart function to determine whether your heartbeat is regular or irregular.
  • ElectrophysiologyA test performed to assess your heart's electrical system or activity and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia.
  • EndocarditisInflammation of the inner lining (endocardium) of your heart, which can affect the heart valves and other structures.
  • Endomyocardial BiopsyA catheter-based biopsy in which myocardial tissue is collected from the heart’s middle wall to help diagnose a variety of cardiac disorders.
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F
  • Familial CardiomyopathyA genetic form of heart disease that results in a weakened and enlarged heart.
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H
  • Heart AttackOccurs when the arteries that deliver blood to your heart become blocked, most commonly as a result of coronary artery disease.
  • Heart BlocksA type of arrhythmia that affects the rate (number of beats per minute) or rhythm (pattern of pulses produce) of your heartbeat.
  • Heart Disease in WomenHeart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the U.S., and women often don’t exhibit classic symptoms.
  • Heart FailureA condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
  • Heart MedicationsA class of drugs that can help control various aspects of common heart conditions, including regulating your heart’s rhythm and preventing the formation of blood clots.
  • Heart Scan ServicesAlso called calcium scoring, a heart scan and vascular screening assess your risk of developing heart disease and help physicians anticipate future cardiac events.
  • Heart Valve SurgeryRepairing or replacing a heart valve that is no longer functioning properly.
  • High Blood PressureA common cause of heart disease, in which your heart’s blood pressure remains abnormally elevated for a sustained period of time.
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)A genetic disease causing abnormal heart thickening.
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I
  • Implantable Medical DevicesManufactured instruments that can treat certain heart conditions by helping the heart function at a normal level.
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L
  • Lariat ProcedureA minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that helps prevent stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are unable to take blood thinning medication.
  • Limb IschemiaOccurring when blood flow to a limb suddenly decreases, this is the most severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and can lead to amputation if not treated.
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M
  • Marfan SyndromeA genetic disorder characterized by abnormal growth of connective tissue, which can result in heart defects.
  • Minimally Invasive Cardiac SurgeryAn alternative to traditional, open-chest bypass surgery and aortic and mitral valve procedures, allowing for faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.
  • Mitral Valve DiseaseA type of valve disease affecting the mitral valve that leads to blood leaking back into or building up in the left atrium of your heart.
  • MyocarditisInflammation of the middle layer of the wall of your heart, which can lead to a weakened and enlarged heart.
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N
  • Nuclear CardiologyUses small amounts of radiation to allow for advanced imaging of the structure and function of your heart.
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O
  • Open-Heart SurgeryIncludes a variety of surgeries that restore your heart’s normal function.
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P
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R
  • Restrictive CardiomyopathyAlso known as stiff heart syndrome, a condition in which the heart either fills or contracts poorly due to heart muscle malfunction.
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S
  • Septal Defect ClosureUses a catheter-based procedure or open surgery to repair a hole in the muscular wall in your heart.
  • Sudden Cardiac DeathLoss of heart function that is usually caused by or related to a type of arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation.
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)A type of arrhythmia originating above the ventricles that can cause sudden episodes of rapid heart rate.
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T
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V
  • Valve DiseaseWhen a valve in your heart either doesn’t let enough blood through or doesn’t seal properly, leading to leakage, backflow or lack of blood flow.
  • Varicose VeinsAlso called spider veins, these are abnormally thick, bulging and gnarled veins that usually appear in the legs.
  • Vascular SurgeryUses stenting and angioplasty to treat conditions such as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), aneurysms and carotid artery disease.
  • Vascular UltrasoundUses high frequency sound waves to evaluate the circulation in your blood vessels, as well as examine blood flow in your arteries and veins.
  • Ventricular Assist DeviceAn implanted mechanical device that helps maintain the pumping ability of your heart if it can’t work effectively on its own.
  • Ventricular FibrillationA severe type of arrhythmia in which erratic electrical impulses cause the heart to stop.
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)A common type of congenital heart disease that causes the heart to pump more than twice the normal amount of blood.
  • Ventricular TachycardiaAbnormally rapid heartbeats that originate from the lower chambers of the heart.
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W
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